Who Is Gautami Naik? Her Cricket Career, Domestic Performances and WPL Journey

Gautami Jitendra Naik is an Indian cricketer who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League. The 27-year-old all-rounder from Maharashtra made her WPL debut on January 12, 2026, against UP Warriorz at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Born on April 15, 1998, she bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-break, wearing jersey number 15 for RCB.

RCB bought Gautami for ₹10 lakh at the WPL 2026 auction after she caught their attention with strong showings in domestic cricket and the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League. Her selection came after years of switching between state teams and establishing herself as an all-rounder who contributes with bat and ball. Before RCB signed her, she had played for Maharashtra, Baroda, and Nagaland in domestic competitions, helping Nagaland move from the Plate Group to the Elite Group.

Early Cricket Career and State Team Moves

Gautami began playing domestic cricket for Maharashtra but struggled to get regular games because of the competition. The situation got worse during the post-pandemic seasons when fewer matches were played. Searching for regular cricket, she moved to Nagaland along with Poonam Khemnar and Kiran Navgire.

The shift to Nagaland worked out well for her career and the state team. She helped Nagaland climb from the Plate Group to the Elite Group, batting and bowling when the team needed her. On November 6, 2021, she scored 70 not out and grabbed four wickets for 25 runs against Bihar. Three days earlier, she made 57 runs and took two wickets for 18 against Manipur, then scored 39 against Arunachal Pradesh the next day.

After proving herself in Nagaland, Gautami shifted to Baroda. She spent two seasons there, keeping up her standards as an all-rounder before going back to Maharashtra. Playing for three different states taught her how to adapt to new teammates and conditions, which made her a more complete cricketer.

Women’s Maharashtra Premier League Performance

Gautami got her big break during the 2025 Women’s Maharashtra Premier League while playing for Ratnagiri Jets. The tournament put her at the top of the order with Smriti Mandhana, India’s left-handed opener. Batting with Mandhana gave her a chance to watch one of the country’s best batters up close while showing what she could do herself.

She ended the tournament as the third-highest run-scorer with 173 runs across six innings. Her consistent performances included winning Player of the Match for Ratnagiri Jets at least once. Scoring runs regularly while opening with Mandhana got WPL franchises interested, as scouts look for players who can handle pressure alongside established stars.

The WMPL gave her visibility at the right time. Her ability to stay calm while batting with Mandhana proved she could cope with expectations, which matters when franchises pick squad members for high-pressure tournaments.

Suggested read: Who Is Nadine de Klerk? RCB’s Match-Winner in WPL 2026

Gautami Naik Path to WPL Selection

The moment that brought Gautami onto the WPL radar happened during a domestic exhibition match in Pune. Kiran More, the former India wicketkeeper, was at the match and noticed her skills with bat and ball. He recommended her for trials based on what he saw. She went for trials at the Mumbai Indians following his suggestion.

The Mumbai Indians did not sign her after the trials, but the experience showed her what franchises look for and proved she could handle the pressure of higher levels. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had been watching her throughout the domestic season and the WMPL. Her ability to open, bowl off-spin, and field well made her attractive as an Indian all-rounder option.

Just before the auction, Gautami scored 70 not out and took four wickets against Bihar in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy. This performance, added to her WMPL runs, convinced RCB to bid ₹10 lakh for her. She also won the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy with Maharashtra in 2025, which added a domestic title to her record right before the WPL started.

WPL 2026 Debut and RCB Journey

RCB picked Gautami in the playing XI for their match against UP Warriorz on January 12, 2026, at DY Patil Stadium. This marked her first game in franchise cricket at the top level. UP Warriorz batted first and made 143 for 5 in 20 overs. Deepti Sharma stayed unbeaten on 45 while Deandra Dottin added 40 not out.

RCB chased down the target easily. Grace Harris smashed 85 off 40 balls with 10 fours and 5 sixes. Smriti Mandhana was not out on 47, striking at 146. The team got to 144 in 12.1 overs, winning by nine wickets. Gautami did not bat or bowl, but being in the XI on debut gave her a feel for WPL matches.

Her second game came when RCB faced the Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026 opener. MI put up 154 for 6, and RCB chased it down, finishing at 157 for 7 to win by three wickets. Once again, Gautami was part of the squad but did not get much action with bat or ball. In T20 cricket, not every player gets chances in every match, especially when the team wins easily.

Starting her WPL career with two wins gave Gautami a positive beginning. Being part of a winning squad against both UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians in the opening week created good energy for all team members.

Playing Style and Role

Gautami is a right-handed batswoman, which gives her the option to slot in anywhere from opening to middle order. Her time opening with Smriti Mandhana in the WMPL showed she can face the new ball, but her domestic record also says she can build innings if asked to bat lower down. She rotates strike well against spin and pace, making her useful in different situations.

Her right-arm off-break bowling gives RCB another option during the middle overs when batters try to attack. Off-spinners who keep runs down while picking up wickets matter in T20 cricket, particularly on Indian pitches where the ball grips. Her four wickets against Bihar in domestic cricket proved she can deliver when the pitch helps spinners.

Fielding adds more value to what she offers. Modern T20 teams want players who save runs in the field, and her athletic fielding helps even when she does not bat or bowl. Teams sometimes pick players just for their fielding when chasing scores, and her place in the XI for both matches suggests the coaching staff rates that part of her game.

Upcoming RCB Fixtures

RCB plays the Gujarat Giants on January 16 at Navi Mumbai and again on January 19 at Vadodara. They face the Delhi Capitals on January 17 at Navi Mumbai and January 24 at Vadodara, then take on the Mumbai Indians once more on January 26 at Vadodara. These matches will show whether Gautami gets more chances as the tournament goes on.

Moving from Navi Mumbai to Vadodara might change pitch conditions, possibly helping spinners more. If that happens, her off-spin could become more useful to the team. Also, if RCB loses early wickets and needs someone to steady things, her experience batting with good players could see her move up the order.

Similar to Anushka Brijmohan Sharma’s journey in WPL 2026, Gautami’s path shows how domestic performers can break through to franchise cricket with consistent efforts across different teams and tournaments.

Where She Stands Now

Getting picked for RCB in WPL 2026 caps off years of moving between state teams and proving herself in domestic matches. Her ₹10 lakh price shows franchises see something in her all-around game, even though chances have been limited in the first two matches. Tournaments create openings through form changes and injuries, and being part of a winning team gives her time to settle in.

Playing for Maharashtra, Baroda, and Nagaland taught her different lessons. Moving between states showed she was willing to chase opportunities instead of waiting around. That approach helps in franchise cricket, where competition for spots stays tough even after making the squad.

The coming weeks of WPL 2026 will decide how much Gautami adds to RCB’s campaign. Whether she bats, bowls, or keeps her place mainly as a squad member and fielder, reaching this level marks real progress for someone who started out struggling for chances in domestic cricket.

For more cricket news and updates, follow JeetwinSports.